A doctor will usually refuse to discharge you until you have paid your bill but you can always discharge yourself. This will stop the bill from increasing due to the occupation of the room or bed. Next inform the hospital in writing (important) that you will be invoking your right to pay later and wish to have a promissory note drawn up (also keep a copy obviously). They will probably refuse but now you are within your rights to leave. If a guard asks you not to leave calmly ask the hospital to put it in writing why you are not allowed to leave (stating you don't understand as a reason) and contact the police to arbitrate - they will let you leave and you will get a promissory note. Personally tried and tested 3 times with variations.
Reekay, Great Topic. I almost completely forgot about my experience. I had gotten dengue fever during my stay in the Philippines years ago. The Process varies depending on which Hospital. I actually had a Credit card and Insurance Coverage, but the hospital that I was taken too did not participate in any International Insurance program. If they do work with an International Insurance, there is someone to vouch for your payment. Otherwise, even if you have a Credit Card and Insurance CARD, it may be difficult to pay for the bill or to obtain the necessary backing to get out. Even making a phone calls was a bit of a challenge because my phone did not support International calls. They had some crappy pay phones. So I had to call someone ... who then made an international call to my family back in the US. My situation occurred in the 1990s, so hopefully some of the hospitals have improved their resources. I remember having a mobile phone, but I had already run out of load. The morale of the story is to have lots of LOAD, CASH and make sure you have some insurance plan. As long as some company can vouch for you. Make sure you do your research and select the right hospital. Even if you have the resources to pay, the wrong hospital can make it quite difficult to leave. I am sure the better hospitals accept credit cards and have a better process. My insurance company is currently CIGNA. However, for the philippines, Bluecross has an office in Makati. These small details make a big difference. They are very procedural oriented. the Tag on your Wrist is not only for identification. It also tells them your a Patient and you HAVE NOT PAID ! The removal process is part of the process the Reekay mentioned. Great Topic ! ~ Herman.
I've been involved with discharge from a Philippine hospital twice; once for myself after a motorcycle crash and once for a grand niece (wife's niece's daughter, who we're close to). There was no "issue" with discharge because I provided funds both times. That said, it helps to keep things in perspective, at least for westerners who have some funds. I took a pretty hard spill when I locked up the front brake of my motorcycle (the truck in front of me stopped but had no rear lights that worked, still my fault since I wasn't far enough back from him). I ended up at the local clinic, who sent me to the next larger town's hospital, who then sent me (via ambulance) to the closest large facility (a provincial hospital 40 kms away). I was released later the same day but had to come back in a few days for some surgery (minor thank goodness) to drain an area that filled with coagulated blood. Total cost for all the medical care I received ran to about P2,500; of which about P500 were things my wife bought at the pharmacy. That's an amount that most foreigners could likely manage. Very recently my grand niece (2 years old) drank from a bottle that was filled gasoline. She ended up being transported 40 kilometers by ambulance to the hospital (the same one I went to). My wife and I got to the hospital not long after. My grand niece ended up being at the hospital for 5 days. On the first day I left P2,000 with my niece and told her to text me if more was necessary. My niece bought the necessary medications and paid the hospital bill with the P2,000 I had given her. The ambulance cost nothing (other than P200 that was donated for the driver to get some food), which is way different than in the US (of course, there are no paramedics aboard either). Not everything at the hospital has such a low cost, of course, but less than major things are very inexpensive compared to US costs and can usually be handled without too much stress. I am talking about public hospitals (not private) and in a ward, not a private room. I'm sure a private room in a private hospital is would cost a fair amount more. I don't completely agree with your interpretation of Section 2. The wording is "The promissory note shall be secured *either* by a mortgage *or* by a guarantee of a co-maker..." then goes onto say both parties will be responsible. It does not state that the co-maker must put up any particular collateral. I'm sure there are horror stories, and it is different than it is in the US, but detention is much more likely to be an issue for very poor Filipinos and not so much foreigners who typically have more means. Still, good information to know in case something a lot more expensive happens.
20 years ago, I knew of a wife who went to jail because of deceased spouse's unpaid hospital bill in Dumaguete. She was jailed for 15 years in Mountain Lupa prizon in Manila (hard core prison in the country). My sister was 9 months pregnant when her appendix ruptured and emergency surgery was needed. I remember that they had to pay upfront before the surgery was implemented. Here in the U.S. we immediately wheel those patients to OR in no time without financial questions. Despite all of these pros and cons, Philippines still the cheapest place to live.
The people need to change the laws of the medical services. What happens if you can't pay as your bill grows everyday. Do they keep you in the hospital forever? The Philippines needs a strong leader to help the poor!
I lived in the Philippines about 20 years. I had 3 kids there, all "C" section. Near the end I was confined to a hospital 3 times. I felt it was wrong to imply that any person could take charge of my body without a hearing as there is so much fraud in the Philippines. So, both I and my wife walked out of the hospital without paying immediately every time. I noted that the guards had no way of knowing exactly who was a patient among the foot traffic. I did not even ask for a bill. No problems. My Wife told me when I returned to settle the account that I would no longer be admitted to that hospital as I had walked out.
Wow Henry, I've heard these kinds of stories before, and I must say you've taken this very seriously. But, it is a very serious matter. Great job on the research. I may have to think very seriously about retiring there in a couple of years.
Thanks ReeKay great Info. Philippine medical practices and law are uniquely Filipino. My wife had a emergency Hysterectomy at Cebu's Chong-Hua Hospital as a charity patient, in charity ward. With Phil Health I paid the final bill of about $700.00 USD but after her surgery I found out she was awake the entire time no modern technology at all. Laparoscopy, Anesthesiologist...no way. Meds paid for before she received them and even adult diaper and bed sheets were paid for before they were issued. Until then you could sit in dirty urine saturated sheet (Could have been worse) this is the nature of care in the Philippines. But my wife said with a big smile "I Get My OWN BED!" not the case in city hospital unless you are a rich foreigner. Have Insurance and cash helps too!
Another wise video. Shocking for a person in the USA to think about. Unfortunately we never know when we are going to get sick or injured. The law may read one way, but in practical operation, the country works another way. Thanks for sharing this valuable information. I have purchased many medications for relatives and friends. The medications and equipment for delivering the medications, like in the case of intravenous medications, must be paid ahead. I buy the meds, then the staff delivers the meds to the patient at the proper time. I have avoided consigning obligations for relatives. I avoid debt in The Philippines. The situations can get complicated. Thanks for sharing this information. God bless the work you are doing with these videos. Often, wards are used, units with many beds. I have seen two, even three people to a bed, believe it. We do medical missions and The Philippines and the beds are full for the night. Many times, we have seen two people to one bed. Hospitals are a sore subject with many in the islands. Phil Health has proven invaluable to our family. An elderly aunt was confined five days and we paid an extra ~500 pesos for her release. Great video.
Just for your information, I was hospitalized November 2015 for 4 days in a private hospital. I was able to get 20% Senior Citizen discount (I have a card issued by municipality) and further discount for PhilHealth even though I am not enrolled because I am 60+ years old. I think the key to the PhilHealth discount is because I have a SRRV Permanent Resident Visa. In addition I have an add-on to USA SS Medicare called "Advantage" ($25 per month) and it provides for "Worldwide" coverage and they paid 100% of my hospital balance which included 20K of take home medications.
I would like to know about which Medicare Advantage Plan you have.. that provides worldwide coverage, how you got PHil health if you were not enrolled.. in short .. I would like more particulars as I am looking to retire to the PHils .. I love the USA .. but... I need to extend my retirement and with the way things are now.. well, I have to plan for a few things..
My Filipina girlfriend was rushed to,hospital with bleeding on the brain from faulty arteries. The first operation which was exploratory surgery cost just over 100,000 peso which I paid in cash. The second operation cost just over 800,000 peso, neither of these costs included the doctors fees. I paid 300,000 peso straight away as it was all I had in my Philippine bank account. I then left the hospital as I had to sort some things out in the new condo we were moving into. I received a phone call from my distraught girlfriend as the hospital was demanding another 350,000 peso to be paid immediately or they would stop treatment. I went back to the hospital and had my girlfriend sign a withdrawal slip to allow me to get money out of her bank. Total bill after four operations was just over 2,000,000 peso. Result was, sorry sir, can't fix her condition, but thanks for the money. Luckily with medication she can lead a relatively normal life now, but could have something rupture in the future
You guys need to pick up and get the hell out of the php only going to get worst crazy shit i'm reading. Go to thailand or VN Don't waste your familys Life At there expense!! I don't CARE how cheap you believe the phillippines is if this crap is going on MOVE!
hope u sold the condo and moved to a less expensive city and have philhealth also ...going to government hospital and showing phil health card and a deposit keeps it all in the government monitored ranges yet you do pay the extras like a private room or a/c room if they have one open.
Good presentation of an important topic. I have read many "opinions" on forums but nothing this definitive. I had an abscess on my leg when I arrived in Cebu. It cost me 8500 Pesos and they sent me to the cashier before administering the tetanus shots and surgery. I had gone to the bank ATM withdrawing 10000 pesos before entering the hospital.
President Arroyo was behind this Act to protect the poor, who simply wouldn't go to the hospital because they couldn't afford to pay cash up front. The poor do not stay in private rooms, and this Act does not apply to anyone staying in a private room. In the case of a private room the hospital can do as it sees fit to protect itself. I'm so glad that we live in Metro Cebu. We use South General Hospital in Naga, which has a BPI ATM in the lobby. They provide all supplies and medications upon request, if possible, although that does cost a little more. No one has to fetch any meals if you have a private room, which are by no means simply fish and rice. And they accept major credit cards for the hospital portion of the bill.
Thanks Henry....as you told me a few weeks ago when we met, you are concentrating on finding and researching topics that may be overlooked both in travels to the Philippines and living there. This subject matter is such an important issue, yet overlooked. Some of your other subscribers touched on it, but it bears repeating that most of us considering retiring there will need some sort of medical attention along the way and as you have shared with us, we have to be prepared financially. On the surface the Philippines can be fun and enjoyable, but never let that divert you from essential matters that need to be addressed. Well done, and thank you!
I have had an experience with this. Single Mom with a little child. The child needs hospital attention. No way to pay the bill or get a loan. . I asked about her options. she said; We can do volunteer work to pay off the bill. . I assume that means doing dishes, making beds, washing floors, etc. . But at least the hospital does offer a solution for the truly poor. I assume Mom could do the work on behalf of her 5 year old still sick child.
My GF's mother has tuberculosis, and she had a heart attack. When my GF made contact with me, she was already at the government hospital. Her mother was in a waiting room waiting for a bed to open up. I was very concerned of course, and sent her some money for the hospital. Approx 24hrs later she made contact with me again saying that her mother was still in the waiting room and still having the heart attack, I was very angry, but my GF actually defended the hospital saying that there were no beds available, too few doctors, and too many patients, and the doctors came around once in awhile to check on her. I told her to take her to a private hospital immediately. She said she was calling an ambulance to come and get her, she was taken care of right away at the private hospital. It cost around $1000 US dollars for several days in the hospital. And yes, I know there are people who might say I was being scammed. Ive been with her for 8yrs, she is a good woman and has never given me a reason to distrust her.
In 2010 I needed a CT scan- $1700 out of pocket in US with Health Insurance ($1000 deductible + 20% remainder + fee for the Radiologist report). I emailed St. Luke's in Quezon City - $300 out of pocket (no insurance)- including the Radiologist report and the cost of putting the scan on disk. I researched flight fees and a two-day stay at a resort in Laguna to boot and discovered the total cost would be almost $1600. I would save over $100 to go get the scan in the Philippines and have a mini-vacation also. I ended not going and up paying out of pocket for a sonogram ($100). Mexico is also a bargain. I found a Mexico hospital at the time with $199 MRI scans.
A great topic. Personally I have not required hospitalization in my many trips to The Philippines. I gave seen physicians and the Care has been more than adequate. I have been blessed thus far. Thanks for sharing an insightful video.
We had a baby 2 months ago and I was amazed by the way the hospital ran the financial side. There was a deposit of 10k php on admission, another larger one of 30k php when she had to have a c section, which they wanted that night until I convinced them I would pay in morning. Being night in Fuente I wasnt carrying much cash or my cards and certainly wasnt going to an ATM at night. The one in the hospital was down. Then when it was time to check out there were bills for my partner AND bills for the baby, not 1 combined. The tooing and froing required to get the paperwork required to leave is incredible. You have to have the release forms or you go nowhere. This was Chong Hua in Cebu. Luckily we had the money, and they accepted credit card, but I can see what it could be like if you didnt. And she was in a private room, so even if we needed, a promisory note, I think, is out of question. This is all apart from the mad practice of not letting partners, or any family, be with the mother during the birth. And we wont mention the inflation of bills because I am westerner.
REGISTERED NURSE WARNING TO EXPATS WITH PREGNANT WIVES: A NEIGHBOR'S DOCTOR HAD TOLD THE EXPAT SHE WILL NEED A C SETION BEFORE SHE WAS ADMITTED... I asked to see the xray as doctor said xray showed baby was head up and not head down...the date of the xray was a month back...I said TO THE XPAT SO YOU THINK THE BABY STAYS ON IT'S HEAD A MONTH BEFORE DELIVERY AND LAUGHED...i THEN cHECKED HER AND HEAD DOWN, SHE IS READY AND GET ANOTHER OPINION...FIRST A MIDWIFE THEN A DOCTOR CONFIRMED IT...SHE HAD NORMAL DELIVERY.The doctor in question was in baybay leyte and chargeS one million pesos to expats for this scam...Nurse in philippines and one doctor friend admitted this is a common scam doctors in philippines pull especially on unsuspecting foreigners...in philippines ALWAYS GET A SECOND OPINION AND DO NOT GIVE NAME OF FIRST DOCTOR.
Ok... Before I read hrogh other comments below.. Last year in August I was hospitalised in Dumaguete because of an infected leg which had swollen up enormously.. the hospital was good, the nurses and specialist who treated me were great, the food was "Urrgghh",, room was private with AC shower etc., after 5 days the specialist doctor told me I was ok to go home... we had no insurance so we paid by CC. The amount was PhP52,000 less PhilHealth PhP 12,000. We are still paying off the CC. PHP 40,000 is a little under what I get monthly as a Pension so would have been really stuck without the CC. After reading some comments I wanted to add about having an attendant.. I was in the Siliman Uni Hospital, my wife stayed with me the 5 days, they gave her a put-u-up bed, she did not get me food, that came from the kitchens brought by an orderly, she did not have to go get my meds, nurses brought all meds including meds I needed in any event (Coumadin/Tamsulosin/Metformin) and these were just added to my bill.. only thing my wife needed to do was find/get her own food/meals.
Guess it all depends how you live and where, we live simply, I rarely eat western food and where we live our rent is small... As to my comment re my experience, I was more adding that not everywhere is the same even here in the Philippines, and I could not say what would have happened had we not been able to avail ourselves of the Credit Card, though we are still paying that debt off.
Henry and others; I knew a pinay whose mother in Manila had kidney failure, who owned her own home, worked hard then after a few hospitalizations, she signed her house over to them. She was discharged and later died at home per her daughter because she had no more money and death was eventually coming, they just brought it on sooner. A week after she died, the hospital evicted her daughter and sold their house. The daughter was in college for accounting and had to drop out. Later while riding in a taxi in Manila, a truck broadsided it and messed the daughter's spine up with other injuries. The truck had no insurance nor did that particular taxi. Even though she was innocent that same hospital would not let her leave until payment was made and being she had accounting, they made her work there as a billing clerk herself. After a few months she was let go, debt paid with no college degree, no place to live... every bit of this is true, this was about 2003.
As I understand it, most U.S. health insurance policies do cover emergency hospitalizations while traveling overseas. It's elective procedures and other non-emergency care that they do not cover. That said, this may apply only to those hospitals that accept foreign insurance, so you may be out of luck in regards to provincial hospitals.
I have a friend who traveled from General Santos to Cebu City to study for her nursing license. As she went to town she was involved in a hit and run accident and left for dead. Her friends brought to the hospital with bad injuries broken leg and ankle. At the time she was brought in to surgery one Doctor took it upon herself to care for her personal, she decided to go against hospital regulations and do the surgery and they held her salary because of what she did. The doctor signed a promissory saying that if she can pay for the surgery she would get her salary check. Well the discharged my friend from the hospital even though she still had an unpaid bill. Well my friend decided she wanted to leave but she was stopped at the airport and detained by the police for unpaid bill. Now the doctor put up 2 vehicles as collateral for the unpaid bill. Now my friend is in jail for unpaid medical bill. I'm doing whatever I can in the states to pay for it before the deadline.
Thanks for bringing clarity to this issue. I first heard about this several years ago but could not believe it. I thought that some young lady was trying to scam me for money, which could still be true.
Thanks for the important topic. This info is important for the foreigners and for the local as well. A family of mine was detained because the money for the bill was not enough to pay out. While they were waiting for the contribution from family circle , the bill went up every day. Very frustrating when you come to this situation.
I was hospitalized twice in the Philippines(Angeles City) during a 12-week trip there. I developed some kind of infection(not sure from what although I have a few theories) and developed puss-filled wounds which became worse because I had scratched them. I believe the total number of days was 10 days or so maybe. I can't remember. They put me to sleep the second time in the hospital and I was hooked up to an IV both times. Anyway, after both hospitalizations I was driven back to the apartment complex where I stayed and I remember specifically the second time that I was with three employees of the hospital who made sure I went to retrieve money, we went directly to the bank to exchange my dollars to pesos, and then back to the hospital to pay the bill after which I was allowed to leave alone.
I might also add that as precaution you might want to take personal meds on your visit such as antibiotics,pain meds.and also diarrhea medications.I call my own personal survival kit..if in back woods sort of speak..I also keep a list of meds I carry from my doctor with his signature and reason why I need the meds..also just take enough for the duration..also if your in severe pain your needs may not be meant for proper pain relieve unless you get special pain doctor in the Phil's.but that does no good while your suffering..
I just wanted to add that the medical staff ( doctors ) that treated my father in law in the Cebu Hospital were all very exceptional. In fact the main Cardiologist was partially trained and did residency in the US. It's just the financial situation that is the mess over there.
I'm really diggin' all your videos about the Philippines. You're answering a lot of questions I haven't even thought of yet. I'll be there in August performing recon for a location to retire.
My wife knows of a couple that couldn't afford the bill for the delivery of their baby. The hospital kept the baby and the parents could just go and visit. Crazy!
Just 3 weeks ago my girlfriends 4 year old daughter got very sick. The public hospital nearby was full so she took her to a private hospital. She was good to go home after 3 days but the bill came to just over 12k. My gf was able to get the bill reduced but was still about 4K short. The hospital would not let the little girl leave until the bill was paid in full. No installment plan or anything like that was permitted. After another 24 hours I sent the remaining balance so she could take her daughter home because I just couldn't stand the fact that they were holding this little girl hostage. Regardless of what the law seems to say it obviously happens. Btw this was in San Pablo.
When going to the hospital you are expected to bring your own attendant. They get your food and prescribed medicines for you. If you don't have one then what are you doing going to the hospital. Upon checkout told i must pay the bill.I did not have enough money, and would not have the money for a week. They told me i could not leave. A friend showed up who talked very rapidly in Filipino. And the hospital ended out letting me leave. I do not know what my friend said. Later they insisted the bill was paid. Next time i went to a Provencal / public hospital. Was assured it was free. But again must have an attendant with me to take care of me and anything needed such as food and prescriptions. Told should not go to hospital without my own attendant. The hospital cannot provide one. :-)
Henry, this would definitely depend on if it was a private or provincial hospital. I'm a foreigner living in Bohol which you previously lived in. I was involved in a motorcycle accident and required stitches for my wound. I was treated and had the wound stitched here in the provincial hospital. I have no insurance and it was free. I walked out of the door without signing any paperwork at all. I did have to go to the pharmacy and purchase my own antibiotics and pain reliever which was prescribed to me though.
Well Henry, I know that all 19,730 subscribers here feel good to know that when visiting the Philippines, we can rely on you to be a co-signer on any hospital bills come due. Right? '-)
one hospital I paid a friend's bill took visa card lol...they said it is just a visa debt card...back then they didnt know...I said same thing just try it...she was amazed at the instant payment with foreign card lol
Henry, my wife and I have plans to start our house build early 2017. As with everyone else who replied to this topic, we also have our concerns with regard to health care once there. You share a lot of good info regarding how the system works, but we'd like to know how you yourself approach your own heath coverage there. Do you purchase their national health coverage? Do you have additional health insurance and if so who is the insurer and which hospitals in your area accept this insurance? Do you use public, private or both hospitals? Answers to details such as these will surely help in our preparation for our move to the PI. Thanks so much for sharing your own experiences.
+James Tanner for now, just Philhealth. That's pretty much the bare minimum. It's a tenuous situation at best. Even with good insurance, the best hospitals are in Cebu and Manila, possibly Davao. So where to live becomes relative to how soon you could get to one of those areas, if a true emergency were to occur.
+LifeBeyondTheSea - Philippines Thanks for the quick reply. Phil health it is and we'll look into other options for backup. We'll not be so far from Manila so I think we'll be fine for normal day to day health needs. I'm retired US military and I've heard some chatter about the US possibly having a presence in the PI again in the future. If that is the case, there might be some health care options at a military facility (hopefully, we'll see).
@@JustJT57 Since you are retired military check out tricare and there 's a VA hospital in Manila and a tricare hospital on the old Air force base outside Angeles city . i think ST Luke hospital IN Manila use to take tricare i had my eyes check many years ago.
i was in angeles university hospital for 3 weeks cost me almost aud 20000 that had to be paid before i could leave hospital, even the plate i needed for my arm was brought from manila and the man wouldnot leave it with out payment of 60000. the hospital boards are corrupt same as doctors etc ,and the food was total shit my girl was getting me maccas and jolibee i could go on but its all to long,and i have 20% los of my arm
always consider a trip to home country if government or insurance covers you as a nurse I do not trust much more than average things to pinoy doctors or the hospitals... i had to spend a good 6 0r 7000 usd to go back and rent a room from family or cheap hotel, food etc and live awile for my knee replacement as to much here...they examined my eyes at a government phil health covered clinic and said you have cataracts but not bad enough for phil health to pay to remove...lmao...in vegas I went in wth 100% coverage and they said yep you got em, when can we do the surgery after the three week wait in line.. painless and 20/20 vision at 68 but not because of philheath or pinoy doctors lol.
I too have had poor experiences at AUF, I much prefer Armando Garcia Hospital on Rizal St, not as fancy but much cheaper and staff who actually know what they're doing.
So, you're in hospital, you cannot pay your bill, they won't let you go.....that might solve some housing problems for some people. :-), I've only been in a clinic in Puerto Galera to get some blood-work done for the ACR-iCard. Very friendly, very cheap. My travel companion got a tetanus shot there and some treatment, because of an infection, also very friendly very cheap.
Wow! When I was in the PH for years, after visiting several public hospitals regarding Filipinas' issues - nobody's explained cost-matters in-detail to myself until now. If needed, should I feel blessed to be able to: 1, have ambulance or even helicopter pick me up off street then transport me to nearest hospital, 2, operate if needed, 3, feed me, 4, & give medicine & bed all for free on the UK's NHS (National Health Service)? Thanks for sharing
nice article good to know I've heard this before but never read the actual law or republic act thanks for sharing.I'm covered in the States blue Cross.however only in the state.when travelling out of the country I buy travelers insurance, that is covered through duration of my trip,I get list of providers that covers the insurance that are preferred providers whether in Manila Cebu or other cities I plan to visit,however they must be one in the pamphlet I'm issued.just piece of mind.my gals cousin work for Phil health she said because I'm from Washington state I can't get on Phil health..so that makes me wonder which I never asked if I'm from a certain state I can receive Phil health,but I hear it only cover 30 percent at best.my first trip I became ill upper respiratory infection from the smog and change if weather while in Manila.went down to Cebu 3 days latter and had a fever.went to find a doctor to get medications,my gal suggested I just go to the clinic so I thought sure why not.she walked and asked for appointment, as soon as they seen I was American they had me in right away...the doctor was actually quite nice professional,and very educated I was very suprized.after exam he prescribed antibiotics, and inhaler.. and fever reducer.I asked what my bill was he said whatever you can afford...well I was thinking office visit at my internal medicine doctor was 100.00 bill...I paided him 1000 piso he said that's too much..I said well take your assistants too lunch...peace of mind get travel's insurance... and have extra cash at hand,because you might have to pay up front.. and get reimbursed latter...it only makes sense to be prepared.
Your NOT getting out hospital until your hospital bill is settled ...PERIOD! I had a son in Chung Waa Guard escorted us billing Standing over my gf and baby in wheel chair..... Took 40 minutes process and verify my credit card for the "Hospital charges" the doctor expenses was agreement with deposit to the doctor...... This is reality there even if the law says different ... So DONT go Philippines unless you have a back up plan pay medical expenses in emergency.. My 2 cents after 14 years visiting and living in Cebu.... Be Smart! They would lets us leave BUT! would keep OUR baby!
+Mark Overly PS. $5400 and agreement for C section with The Dr who was on board Head and Best! and charged another $3400 + Dont Have a baby in Philippines BUT! the clinics do it it free for the Pilipinos woman BUT I wasnt Taking any chances my son die Alot children Die child birth! My Experiance! Wisdom!
yes...and most do accept credit cards...word to wise on babies...go to a birthing clinic you find in strip malls and along highway or ask and set up prenatel care there... these girls have had babys in the jungle for thousands of years and ararely even need a c section...most c sections in usa and philippines are far from necessary. They should never be preplanned but a last minute resort. unless some abnormal bone structure you can second opinion verify or baby not head down last few days and ready...midwives can feel for the head and even give opinion and birthing centers do have doctors many also working private and multiple hospitals...it runs 300 to 400 dollars at them... wife and three maids had babies in ph..
Good info! By the way what kind of laptop do you use there, did you buy it in the states? Before I move there, I'm trying to figure what size and brand to buy and I guess something that would have a long battery life would be also important. Also do places there frown if you plug up at their place of business? Thanks!
Wow! This video, and the comments below, has scared the living daylights out of me. I am an American who's a struggling musician. I have a long distance relationship with a wonderful filipina. She is an amazing woman with a huge heart. She is intelligent and has a strong moral compass. Oh, and did I say say drop dead gorgeous? So, I want to go visit her. Now I'm scared to death.
make sure you carry a credit card from any country as many private hospitals now accept them. stabilize and get to home country sap, even if on heavy medication or in a wheel chair..2nd best.If you can stand a teaching government hospital that does have an a/c room and tv for extra charge consider it as charges will be far cheaper...other wise when buying anything or going to a private hospital you are a foreigner with a dollar sign on forehead.
I was there in Barandal gk area for a month. I'm 69yo with heart & diabetes issues, but manage ok with regular doc visits at my NorCal home. I enjoy my tricycle rides up 'n down Barandal Rd with my now married to pinay Mila to go to places. I'm also there on skinny bank budget via WesternUnion which would be shot if had to pay even those smaller figures you mentioned coz what I have $$ is for returning home, otherwise I'd be left somewhere to rot coz have no associations/family to help. So what I feel is you should give not just the written info but surveys of folks' different experiences, particularly those with zero to pay. Seems certainly they eventually would be let go by practicality alone coz rooms are needed by others AND further attempts to "extort" money are in vain, that's what I want hear about from others please. Thank you. Jerry
let me preface with, for me it's who you know and there opinion of you the patient. I was in Cebu for two months and during this time,I ran out of medicine that I regularly take, I also ended up in the hospital for dvt or blood clots from the flight. I located a Dr that knew my Dr back in Florida, at the advice of my US Dr, they studied together in New York. I went to the Dr whom found the medicine for me, just different, but similar drug, the cost of this visit was 400php for this specialist. he offered to bill me if I was able to pay half and prove that I was there for awhile and promised ti pay before I leave, obviously i paid the 8.00 usd bill..Lol..BUT when I went to the hospital, they phoned my Dr in Cebu, he came and was the Dr who took care of me, once I was stable and could go home, he signed my discharge papers and i left, he said I don't have to pay, just show the guard the discharge papers if they ask. I asked the Dr how was that possible and he simply said, I will have to pay for his fees of 400php when I have follow up appt. I was shocked..I later learned this Dr is a board member of the hospital and is a medical professor and simply had the authority to do that. I had to pay his fees at the office, but due to the networked nature of the Philippines, I was taken care of very cheaply with adequate care. I had an issue with meeting a refill of that medicine while the Dr was on vacation, he told me to go to hospital er and tell them to call him and he will tell the er Dr who was a resident just to give me a script, I did that and nothing was charged for that either. just my two cents. in all cases I could have paid the bills..but this Dr knew my Dr at home and my treatment was very good.
Hi reekay Wow that's is crazy, so different from the west here, so the moral of the story is go to the bank before going to the hospital lol thanks for the video you made that ez to understand ☺
NOTE: The law has changed drastically in PHP. This video out of date. The law 2019 says hospitals can not detain you for failure to pay. The law was changed in 2018 Universal Health Reform Act.
Was with a bone fracture in 2015 taken to St. lucks in manila with an air transport was insured for everything . by mutas a belgian + a second usa insurance Oncol international but they took back the deposit after 1 month. I was then 3 months detained in the room and no medicine no more . From all tension my son 36 and bit mental handy capt was with epileptic attacks also admitted locked in the hospital . Till i did sing papers . I do not know what it was ? mostly blank papers and copy from my passport on . I do not care I have nothing so ? the total bill was 120,000.00 us ore in € almost same . The belgian insurance did pay 50,000.00 € and Oncol think 25,000.00 us . I still cant walk as before and have lot of pain still .I'm a pensioner I’m married there in 2013 did like to go and live there but can’t no more and my wife can’t get a visa for Europe so we even can’t see one the other no more. I can’t travel there no more had a visa for only 30 days and for overstaying the immigration law the did ask us to pay a fine think was 1,000.00 us think even bit more . We get pardon after our embassy give some papers and we missing 3 flights before getting home again 2 weeks later . We did get a free visa for 1 year but my name is on the black list there now . Did had used a loud voice to the sub director from emigration in manila they are not use to this there in the Philippines haha I did not like it the did play us 14 days before giving the papers to live . And only after I get mad there in the office from the director from emigration we get all papers to pas emigration and go home
This is why I say dont live in asia if your heart attack age. Its not a country you want an emergency in. First the care is terrible and 2nd they will intimidate you about paying the bill.
Reekay, I came to the Philippines for 2 months and enjoyed it, North to South. We met, Yes, I am easy to forget. I have some concerns I wish to discuss outside the public forum. Give me a heads up on how to ask for your advice offline?
WARNING: IF YOU ENTER A HOSPITAL IN THE PHILIPPINES THEY CAN CHARGE WHATEVER THEY WANT AND ARMED SECURITY GUARDS WILL HOLD YOU HOSTAGE UNTIL YOU PAY YOUR BILL IN FULL. I AM NOT KIDDING!!! i just went through this nightmare with my pregnant GF being held hostage by armed guards at a private hospital in Southern Leyte. If they can do this to a poor filipina, what do you think they will do to a foreigner they think has access to money? Entering a hospital in the Philippines is the same as being kidnapped and held for ransom. The only difference is kidnapping is illegal, what hospitals do in the Philippines is LEGAL. You've been warned.
I read on the website of my health insurance company that if you're going to Philippines for a couple of weeks and are able to present your health-insurance card and EHIC (European Health Insurance Card), the hospital will accept your health-insurance, so you don't have to pay up-front. Anyone here has any experience with that?
it was pretty much the same even years before this act,you are not in a really good hospital if you have too send someone to but your meds. hoping Phil health will be useful , but yeah you need a few grand to keep in case of emergency. i knew a man who got cancer surgery and cemo for less than 100K peso, he did not survive. There is always a But in most Pinoy laws.
+steve o I agree. The problem seems to be that even if you have money they won;t let you leave to access it so you can give it to them. There has to be a way to pay them without always carrying thousands of dollars on you Just in case. If you are single, alone, how can you let some intermediary get funds from your bank? The bank won't let them anyway. Must be a simpler solution to this. Western Union???
hi reekay im hoping to be in the Philippines by July back here in the states i have blue Cross Blue Shield im interested in hearing about what you might recommend to someone planning on staying there for some time
+bob barker each hospital is different, but don't count on them being able to accept wire payments directly. it's just not that type of a country. cash, literally in your hand is what they want to see. and get a receipt.
The fact is the Philippines is a poor country with minimal social welfare. If you live there you need (IMO) these 3 things - 1. some friends/family you trust 2. a large cash reserve 3. PhilHealth
I have had the experience of being in hospital there. I had food poisoning from their food. Went to Er and of course put into room I was informed the doctor said I need to stay 7 days I told the nurse I am leaving. They tried to make a big deal I put my clothes on told them to take iv out or I would do myself they put a guard on me at point I told them I was going out for a smoke all hell broke out I told them I will smoke in the room or out front and would fight if needed. My gf told them I was crazy just let me smoke and get bill ready less than 24 hours my bill was over $1000.00, lucky for my insurance reimbursed me for Er!! Now thou I am resident alien here and can purchase Phil health!!
So assuming you can't leave the hospital in real practice what happens? Do you just hang out on the corridor....? Sleep on a bench? They still feed you or let you starve? lol
+Ed Snow as i read the wording they have in the document, this anti-detention act does not apply to those in private rooms. the ability to leave by providing a promissory note does not apply to private rooms.
Yeah, that's what i got out of it too. Thank you for sharing this information, I had no idea about this . . . I'm going to Cebu this July to visit my filipina girlfriend's familiy and I will keep this information in mind.
I'm very curious to know about the state of health insurance there. Obviously, for US expats, Medicare doesn't count. Have you explored/priced health insurance that actually covers what you might need?
+Vince Runza Philhealth is about $24/year for the premiums. it's "better than nothing", especially in a public hospital, but not worth much in a large, private hospital. i've seen insurance companies who specialize in coverage for expats, and they can run from $150-$350+ per quarter. many of the online won't give you a quote until you fill out a lengthy questionnaire.
There is something very badly "missing" in the well intentioned comments below, and maybe Henry can answer them ??? 1) Hardly any mention of INSURANCE ???- if you have it, why do you need a bunch of cash before you go into the hospital ??? The hospital is only concerned about -one thing- MONEY- $$$ so if you have insurance-say from the US or Canada, from a very reputable insurer, then why all the talk about having "cash". Insurance of this kind is very affordable. Are the comments here- inferring that the hospital won't contact your insurance provider for payment ??? doesn't make sense ?? all they want is payment. They would "fax" your insurer for guarantee of payment, and the insurer would reply they are covered, for your hospital expenses. This is the only way that makes sense to me. In Canada for instance we have socialized health care, and all citizens are covered, but likely would not include coverage in other countries- "you have to buy additional health insurance for this." Maybe the comments are saying you need "cash" ( even though you have insurance) because these insurance plans have like a 30- 60 day waiting period to "pay out," after your discharged. This could be a problem ??? I don't know ??? Maybe the hospital doesn't like the payout delay-" but they know they will get paid."-makes no sense. I do know this though--I'm sure if you have top notch coverage from a reputable provider, they would release you upon receiving confirmation from your issuer, that the hospital will be paid within 30- 45 days as of your release ??? It only makes sense ???-right ??? If anybody knows the answer to this- I'd sure like a response. I sort of get the impression that Henry is referring to people "with no insurance" but I could be wrong here. I'd really like some CLARIFICATION on this.
+Grant P Have them re-listen to the video, beginning at 12:47 (or use link here). I stated that, "..if you have good insurance, or plenty of cash, you have no problem." here is the link; ua-cam.com/video/KinMVcGZg0A/v-deo.htmlm47s
"better than nothing", but don't expect too much. coverage amounts are here... www.philhealth.gov.ph/news/2017/expands_coverage.html and here is a list of the requirements to qualify.. www.moneymax.ph/blog/updates-philhealth-benefits
This is awesome stuff as I may move there next year and the subject of health care and health insurance scares me a little bit even though I'm in good health. What I would like to know is how much health insurance is for a single,unmarried expat (PhilHealth ?) and how much time do you need to be in the country before you are eligible for it ?
+Bonzo T Alonzo philhealth premiums, for an expat, last time i checked was 600 pesos each 3 months. (quarter) when you enroll, you must wait until the next quarter before you can make a claim. coverage depends on what type of hospital you go to.. provencial/public or private.
+LifeBeyondTheSea - Philippines 600 pesos every quarter is roughly 5 bucks a month. Good to know. Let me look into more details regarding that ... or this may be worth looking to for your part 2 of this particular topic.
+steve o I saw where they are currently working on trying to change the law to allow Medicare to provide coverage overseas. First reason is a number of older Americans are retiring overseas who are eligible for Medicare. And second reason is it will actually cost Medicare less because the cost of health coverage in these retirement countries are way less than in the U.S. hospitals and clinics.
+Wayne Samuel the only law i have heard of is the one that would allow pinoy blood but US.to use theirs , not say it would be bad i told the truth it will not cover one dime, Guam closest place to use medicare. most forums they think it best to keep paying for insurance
Henry after reading all the comments,seems they paid and get out,, What happens if you just can't pay at all,, even if the charges continue,DO they take you to jail.?
+mario padilla that i know of, not to jail. but you'll be stuck inside the hospital eating fish and rice, if they provide it. if not, someone has to bring you food. most hospitals tell you up front that YOU must provide your own 'attendant' who will fetch your meds and food for you during your stay.
sounds horrific... I guess in extreme cases they would contact your embassy to ship you back. On second thoughts Philippine is the largest exporters of doctors and nurses, and if there was a national conscience the medical services would have been free, at least for nationals. Although it's not much better here in the states... they won't keep you but they will take you to court and eventually jail.
well if the court orders you to pay(which it certainly would) and you are not able to pay then the jail it is.... At least that's what my understanding. otherwise nobody would pay their hospital bills.
no, it's perfectly legal. If you owe someone money they could take you to court and pursue you. And court order is either financial or jail term. That's why many black men are in jail because they cannot pay their wife's alimony. same idea.
IN USA THEY WON"T JAIL YOU EVER WHETHER BILL IS PAID OR NOT THEY OFFER FREE HEALTHCARE UNDER TRUMP THIS IS NOW 2018 - 2019 and FORWARD!! My FAMILY LIVES THERE > I"m FROM LONDON.
had a funny one...lapulapu city hospital cebu . my maid had her baby and was leaving and they wanted her to walk to the various windows, which as an american registered nurse already angered me. so i did it for her and then the cashier was on lunch and there were not even chairs for her to sit... my car was running in the parking lot because i had been called and though it was pick up and pay and go...at the car i found it chained into the lot by padlock! hahaha...so i said fine, keep the car until your cashier comes back and went for a trycycle where upon out came the guard telling the trycycle drivers not to take me...he then put his hand on my shoulder as if to stop me...at 220 lbs and only fifty years old and still very strong i got 2 inches from his face and said that is assault and you can go to jail so touch me again and i will put you in the hospital! shouting for a hundred people to hear lol...then other maid got a down street trycycle taxi and took her home...walking back in the cashier was magically back from her lunch break and very nice and took my about three hundred dollars in pesos that paid the bill which i took to the guard and said now, unlock the fuc88876 gate lol...he said sorry sir, yes sir. They are far more polite than americans will ever be and to go to jail when they even had my brand new car locked up would have been no problem as i do not get mad, i get even hahaha. After it was over I realized how backward the system was and to either accept it and slow down or leave as many foreigners do...i am now 19 years in cebu and so love it. I think you met a blond belgian guy named nico and i did run around with him several years and sometimes budoy was with us so we did the music scene and single life in cebu, bohol and dumaguete and now he has a live in partner from dum in belgium he brought back and a son...she is a college grad and very nice and educated person as he is. When I settled down i bought land in by dual citizen son's name so I can not lose it to a filipina lol... The high up spot overlooking a 180 degree ocean view would cost a lot in usa but was just over $15000 usd...and an acre or half hectare..then house will not touch 40000, built into bedroock with constant ocean breezes and 10 inch thick walls.So very fun to retire and build your own even to your own blueprint. We have a great life but half hour to carcar or dumahug for groceries but soon a gaisano will finish building here and no more driving but sm seaside is 2 hours and 15 minutes away so we rent a condo next to it and spend a weekend every month or two....or siquijor, a friend dennis peyton in valencia... or just day trips to moal boal and kawasan falls and home. we have fruit trees dogs, cat, chickens goats and pigs and a cow lol and she loves that as a farmer's daughter...i just enjoy, even coffee in bed and healthiest diet with first year cholesteral in normal range in my life! lol..vietnam also has similar healthy diets as well I hear.
A doctor will usually refuse to discharge you until you have paid your bill but you can always discharge yourself. This will stop the bill from increasing due to the occupation of the room or bed. Next inform the hospital in writing (important) that you will be invoking your right to pay later and wish to have a promissory note drawn up (also keep a copy obviously). They will probably refuse but now you are within your rights to leave. If a guard asks you not to leave calmly ask the hospital to put it in writing why you are not allowed to leave (stating you don't understand as a reason) and contact the police to arbitrate - they will let you leave and you will get a promissory note.
Personally tried and tested 3 times with variations.
Reekay,
Great Topic. I almost completely forgot about my experience.
I had gotten dengue fever during my stay in the Philippines years ago. The Process varies depending on which Hospital. I actually had a Credit card and Insurance Coverage, but the hospital that I was taken too did not participate in any International Insurance program. If they do work with an International Insurance, there is someone to vouch for your payment. Otherwise, even if you have a Credit Card and Insurance CARD, it may be difficult to pay for the bill or to obtain the necessary backing to get out. Even making a phone calls was a bit of a challenge because my phone did not support International calls. They had some crappy pay phones. So I had to call someone ... who then made an international call to my family back in the US. My situation occurred in the 1990s, so hopefully some of the hospitals have improved their resources.
I remember having a mobile phone, but I had already run out of load. The morale of the story is to have lots of LOAD, CASH and make sure you have some insurance plan. As long as some company can vouch for you. Make sure you do your research and select the right hospital. Even if you have the resources to pay, the wrong hospital can make it quite difficult to leave. I am sure the better hospitals accept credit cards and have a better process. My insurance company is currently CIGNA. However, for the philippines, Bluecross has an office in Makati. These small details make a big difference.
They are very procedural oriented. the Tag on your Wrist is not only for identification. It also tells them your a Patient and you HAVE NOT PAID ! The removal process is part of the process the Reekay mentioned. Great Topic ! ~ Herman.
I've been involved with discharge from a Philippine hospital twice; once for myself after a motorcycle crash and once for a grand niece (wife's niece's daughter, who we're close to). There was no "issue" with discharge because I provided funds both times.
That said, it helps to keep things in perspective, at least for westerners who have some funds. I took a pretty hard spill when I locked up the front brake of my motorcycle (the truck in front of me stopped but had no rear lights that worked, still my fault since I wasn't far enough back from him). I ended up at the local clinic, who sent me to the next larger town's hospital, who then sent me (via ambulance) to the closest large facility (a provincial hospital 40 kms away). I was released later the same day but had to come back in a few days for some surgery (minor thank goodness) to drain an area that filled with coagulated blood. Total cost for all the medical care I received ran to about P2,500; of which about P500 were things my wife bought at the pharmacy. That's an amount that most foreigners could likely manage.
Very recently my grand niece (2 years old) drank from a bottle that was filled gasoline. She ended up being transported 40 kilometers by ambulance to the hospital (the same one I went to). My wife and I got to the hospital not long after. My grand niece ended up being at the hospital for 5 days. On the first day I left P2,000 with my niece and told her to text me if more was necessary. My niece bought the necessary medications and paid the hospital bill with the P2,000 I had given her. The ambulance cost nothing (other than P200 that was donated for the driver to get some food), which is way different than in the US (of course, there are no paramedics aboard either).
Not everything at the hospital has such a low cost, of course, but less than major things are very inexpensive compared to US costs and can usually be handled without too much stress. I am talking about public hospitals (not private) and in a ward, not a private room. I'm sure a private room in a private hospital is would cost a fair amount more.
I don't completely agree with your interpretation of Section 2. The wording is "The promissory note shall be secured *either* by a mortgage *or* by a guarantee of a co-maker..." then goes onto say both parties will be responsible. It does not state that the co-maker must put up any particular collateral.
I'm sure there are horror stories, and it is different than it is in the US, but detention is much more likely to be an issue for very poor Filipinos and not so much foreigners who typically have more means. Still, good information to know in case something a lot more expensive happens.
20 years ago, I knew of a wife who went to jail because of deceased spouse's unpaid hospital bill in Dumaguete. She was jailed for 15 years in Mountain Lupa prizon in Manila (hard core prison in the country).
My sister was 9 months pregnant when her appendix ruptured and emergency surgery was needed. I remember that they had to pay upfront before the surgery was implemented. Here in the U.S. we immediately wheel those patients to OR in no time without financial questions. Despite all of these pros and cons, Philippines still the cheapest place to live.
The people need to change the laws of the medical services. What happens if you can't pay as your bill grows everyday. Do they keep you in the hospital forever? The Philippines needs a strong leader to help the poor!
It is nice to know that there are other congress' in this world that are as good at double talk as ours in the States.
I lived in the Philippines about 20 years. I had 3 kids there, all "C" section. Near the end I was confined to a hospital 3 times. I felt it was wrong to imply that any person could take charge of my body without a hearing as there is so much fraud in the Philippines. So, both I and my wife walked out of the hospital without paying immediately every time. I noted that the guards had no way of knowing exactly who was a patient among the foot traffic. I did not even ask for a bill. No problems. My Wife told me when I returned to settle the account that I would no longer be admitted to that hospital as I had walked out.
Wow Henry, I've heard these kinds of stories before, and I must say you've taken this very seriously. But, it is a very serious matter. Great job on the research. I may have to think very seriously about retiring there in a couple of years.
Thanks ReeKay great Info. Philippine medical practices and law are uniquely Filipino. My wife had a emergency Hysterectomy at Cebu's Chong-Hua Hospital as a charity patient, in charity ward. With Phil Health I paid the final bill of about $700.00 USD but after her surgery I found out she was awake the entire time no modern technology at all. Laparoscopy, Anesthesiologist...no way. Meds paid for before she received them and even adult diaper and bed sheets were paid for before they were issued. Until then you could sit in dirty urine saturated sheet (Could have been worse) this is the nature of care in the Philippines. But my wife said with a big smile "I Get My OWN BED!" not the case in city hospital unless you are a rich foreigner. Have Insurance and cash helps too!
Another wise video. Shocking for a person in the USA to think about. Unfortunately we never know when we are going to get sick or injured. The law may read one way, but in practical operation, the country works another way. Thanks for sharing this valuable information. I have purchased many medications for relatives and friends. The medications and equipment for delivering the medications, like in the case of intravenous medications, must be paid ahead. I buy the meds, then the staff delivers the meds to the patient at the proper time. I have avoided consigning obligations for relatives. I avoid debt in The Philippines. The situations can get complicated. Thanks for sharing this information. God bless the work you are doing with these videos.
Often, wards are used, units with many beds. I have seen two, even three people to a bed, believe it. We do medical missions and The Philippines and the beds are full for the night. Many times, we have seen two people to one bed. Hospitals are a sore subject with many in the islands.
Phil Health has proven invaluable to our family. An elderly aunt was confined five days and we paid an extra ~500 pesos for her release. Great video.
Just for your information, I was hospitalized November 2015 for 4 days in a private hospital. I was able to get 20% Senior Citizen discount (I have a card issued by municipality) and further discount for PhilHealth even though I am not enrolled because I am 60+ years old. I think the key to the PhilHealth discount is because I have a SRRV Permanent Resident Visa. In addition I have an add-on to USA SS Medicare called "Advantage" ($25 per month) and it provides for "Worldwide" coverage and they paid 100% of my hospital balance which included 20K of take home medications.
that sounds like a very good approach, between the discount, medicare option and philhealth.
I would like to know about which Medicare Advantage Plan you have.. that provides worldwide coverage, how you got PHil health if you were not enrolled.. in short .. I would like more particulars as I am looking to retire to the PHils .. I love the USA .. but... I need to extend my retirement and with the way things are now.. well, I have to plan for a few things..
Fred Murrell thanks so much for info didn't know. I am on SSDI and VA disability retirement. 100% I just turned 50!
Do a google search for Medicare Advantage which should lead you to several companies that offer the plan in your area. You do need a US address.
I have a Service Connected VA disability and get free meds from the US VA Clinic in Manila.
My Filipina girlfriend was rushed to,hospital with bleeding on the brain from faulty arteries. The first operation which was exploratory surgery cost just over 100,000 peso which I paid in cash. The second operation cost just over 800,000 peso, neither of these costs included the doctors fees. I paid 300,000 peso straight away as it was all I had in my Philippine bank account. I then left the hospital as I had to sort some things out in the new condo we were moving into. I received a phone call from my distraught girlfriend as the hospital was demanding another 350,000 peso to be paid immediately or they would stop treatment. I went back to the hospital and had my girlfriend sign a withdrawal slip to allow me to get money out of her bank. Total bill after four operations was just over 2,000,000 peso. Result was, sorry sir, can't fix her condition, but thanks for the money. Luckily with medication she can lead a relatively normal life now, but could have something rupture in the future
You guys need to pick up and get the hell out of the php only going to get worst crazy shit i'm reading. Go to thailand or VN Don't waste your familys Life At there expense!! I don't CARE how cheap you believe the phillippines is if this crap is going on MOVE!
hope u sold the condo and moved to a less expensive city and have philhealth also ...going to government hospital and showing phil health card and a deposit keeps it all in the government monitored ranges yet you do pay the extras like a private room or a/c room if they have one open.
Good presentation of an important topic. I have read many "opinions" on forums but nothing this definitive.
I had an abscess on my leg when I arrived in Cebu. It cost me 8500 Pesos and they sent me to the cashier before administering the tetanus shots and surgery. I had gone to the bank ATM withdrawing 10000 pesos before entering the hospital.
President Arroyo was behind this Act to protect the poor, who simply wouldn't go to the hospital because they couldn't afford to pay cash up front. The poor do not stay in private rooms, and this Act does not apply to anyone staying in a private room. In the case of a private room the hospital can do as it sees fit to protect itself.
I'm so glad that we live in Metro Cebu. We use South General Hospital in Naga, which has a BPI ATM in the lobby. They provide all supplies and medications upon request, if possible, although that does cost a little more. No one has to fetch any meals if you have a private room, which are by no means simply fish and rice. And they accept major credit cards for the hospital portion of the bill.
Thanks Henry....as you told me a few weeks ago when we met, you are concentrating on finding and researching topics that may be overlooked both in travels to the Philippines and living there. This subject matter is such an important issue, yet overlooked. Some of your other subscribers touched on it, but it bears repeating that most of us considering retiring there will need some sort of medical attention along the way and as you have shared with us, we have to be prepared financially. On the surface the Philippines can be fun and enjoyable, but never let that divert you from essential matters that need to be addressed. Well done, and thank you!
I have had an experience with this.
Single Mom with a little child.
The child needs hospital attention.
No way to pay the bill or get a loan.
.
I asked about her options.
she said;
We can do volunteer work to pay off the bill.
.
I assume that means doing dishes, making beds, washing floors, etc.
.
But at least the hospital does offer a solution for the truly poor.
I assume Mom could do the work on behalf of her 5 year old still sick child.
My GF's mother has tuberculosis, and she had a heart attack. When my GF made contact with me, she was already at the government hospital. Her mother was in a waiting room waiting for a bed to open up. I was very concerned of course, and sent her some money for the hospital. Approx 24hrs later she made contact with me again saying that her mother was still in the waiting room and still having the heart attack, I was very angry, but my GF actually defended the hospital saying that there were no beds available, too few doctors, and too many patients, and the doctors came around once in awhile to check on her. I told her to take her to a private hospital immediately. She said she was calling an ambulance to come and get her, she was taken care of right away at the private hospital. It cost around $1000 US dollars for several days in the hospital. And yes, I know there are people who might say I was being scammed. Ive been with her for 8yrs, she is a good woman and has never given me a reason to distrust her.
In 2010 I needed a CT scan- $1700 out of pocket in US with Health Insurance ($1000 deductible + 20% remainder + fee for the Radiologist report). I emailed St. Luke's in Quezon City - $300 out of pocket (no insurance)- including the Radiologist report and the cost of putting the scan on disk. I researched flight fees and a two-day stay at a resort in Laguna to boot and discovered the total cost would be almost $1600. I would save over $100 to go get the scan in the Philippines and have a mini-vacation also. I ended not going and up paying out of pocket for a sonogram ($100). Mexico is also a bargain. I found a Mexico hospital at the time with $199 MRI scans.
A great topic. Personally I have not required hospitalization in my many trips to The Philippines. I gave seen physicians and the Care has been more than adequate. I have been blessed thus far. Thanks for sharing an insightful video.
We had a baby 2 months ago and I was amazed by the way the hospital ran the financial side. There was a deposit of 10k php on admission, another larger one of 30k php when she had to have a c section, which they wanted that night until I convinced them I would pay in morning. Being night in Fuente I wasnt carrying much cash or my cards and certainly wasnt going to an ATM at night. The one in the hospital was down. Then when it was time to check out there were bills for my partner AND bills for the baby, not 1 combined. The tooing and froing required to get the paperwork required to leave is incredible. You have to have the release forms or you go nowhere. This was Chong Hua in Cebu. Luckily we had the money, and they accepted credit card, but I can see what it could be like if you didnt. And she was in a private room, so even if we needed, a promisory note, I think, is out of question. This is all apart from the mad practice of not letting partners, or any family, be with the mother during the birth. And we wont mention the inflation of bills because I am westerner.
REGISTERED NURSE WARNING TO EXPATS WITH PREGNANT WIVES: A NEIGHBOR'S DOCTOR HAD TOLD THE EXPAT SHE WILL NEED A C SETION BEFORE SHE WAS ADMITTED... I asked to see the xray as doctor said xray showed baby was head up and not head down...the date of the xray was a month back...I said TO THE XPAT SO YOU THINK THE BABY STAYS ON IT'S HEAD A MONTH BEFORE DELIVERY AND LAUGHED...i THEN cHECKED HER AND HEAD DOWN, SHE IS READY AND GET ANOTHER OPINION...FIRST A MIDWIFE THEN A DOCTOR CONFIRMED IT...SHE HAD NORMAL DELIVERY.The doctor in question was in baybay leyte and chargeS one million pesos to expats for this scam...Nurse in philippines and one doctor friend admitted this is a common scam doctors in philippines pull especially on unsuspecting foreigners...in philippines ALWAYS GET A SECOND OPINION AND DO NOT GIVE NAME OF FIRST DOCTOR.
Ok... Before I read hrogh other comments below.. Last year in August I was hospitalised in Dumaguete because of an infected leg which had swollen up enormously.. the hospital was good, the nurses and specialist who treated me were great, the food was "Urrgghh",, room was private with AC shower etc., after 5 days the specialist doctor told me I was ok to go home... we had no insurance so we paid by CC. The amount was PhP52,000 less PhilHealth PhP 12,000. We are still paying off the CC. PHP 40,000 is a little under what I get monthly as a Pension so would have been really stuck without the CC. After reading some comments I wanted to add about having an attendant.. I was in the Siliman Uni Hospital, my wife stayed with me the 5 days, they gave her a put-u-up bed, she did not get me food, that came from the kitchens brought by an orderly, she did not have to go get my meds, nurses brought all meds including meds I needed in any event (Coumadin/Tamsulosin/Metformin) and these were just added to my bill.. only thing my wife needed to do was find/get her own food/meals.
Guess it all depends how you live and where, we live simply, I rarely eat western food and where we live our rent is small... As to my comment re my experience, I was more adding that not everywhere is the same even here in the Philippines, and I could not say what would have happened had we not been able to avail ourselves of the Credit Card, though we are still paying that debt off.
Henry and others; I knew a pinay whose mother in Manila had kidney failure, who owned her own home, worked hard then after a few hospitalizations, she signed her house over to them. She was discharged and later died at home per her daughter because she had no more money and death was eventually coming, they just brought it on sooner. A week after she died, the hospital evicted her daughter and sold their house. The daughter was in college for accounting and had to drop out. Later while riding in a taxi in Manila, a truck broadsided it and messed the daughter's spine up with other injuries. The truck had no insurance nor did that particular taxi. Even though she was innocent that same hospital would not let her leave until payment was made and being she had accounting, they made her work there as a billing clerk herself. After a few months she was let go, debt paid with no college degree, no place to live... every bit of this is true, this was about 2003.
cold bastards
As I understand it, most U.S. health insurance policies do cover emergency hospitalizations while traveling overseas.
It's elective procedures and other non-emergency care that they do not cover.
That said, this may apply only to those hospitals that accept foreign insurance, so you may be out of luck in regards to provincial hospitals.
I have a friend who traveled from General Santos to Cebu City to study for her nursing license. As she went to town she was involved in a hit and run accident and left for dead. Her friends brought to the hospital with bad injuries broken leg and ankle. At the time she was brought in to surgery one Doctor took it upon herself to care for her personal, she decided to go against hospital regulations and do the surgery and they held her salary because of what she did. The doctor signed a promissory saying that if she can pay for the surgery she would get her salary check. Well the discharged my friend from the hospital even though she still had an unpaid bill. Well my friend decided she wanted to leave but she was stopped at the airport and detained by the police for unpaid bill. Now the doctor put up 2 vehicles as collateral for the unpaid bill. Now my friend is in jail for unpaid medical bill. I'm doing whatever I can in the states to pay for it before the deadline.
Thanks for bringing clarity to this issue. I first heard about this several years ago but could not believe it. I thought that some young lady was trying to scam me for money, which could still be true.
Thanks for the important topic. This info is important for the foreigners and for the local as well. A family of mine was detained because the money for the bill was not enough to pay out. While they were waiting for the contribution from family circle , the bill went up every day. Very frustrating when you come to this situation.
Great topic and explanation. Thanks for sharing.
I was hospitalized twice in the Philippines(Angeles City) during a 12-week trip there. I developed some kind of infection(not sure from what although I have a few theories) and developed puss-filled wounds which became worse because I had scratched them. I believe the total number of days was 10 days or so maybe. I can't remember. They put me to sleep the second time in the hospital and I was hooked up to an IV both times. Anyway, after both hospitalizations I was driven back to the apartment complex where I stayed and I remember specifically the second time that I was with three employees of the hospital who made sure I went to retrieve money, we went directly to the bank to exchange my dollars to pesos, and then back to the hospital to pay the bill after which I was allowed to leave alone.
+D philologer how much was the bill ..in US dollars?
I might also add that as precaution you might want to take personal meds on your visit such as antibiotics,pain meds.and also diarrhea medications.I call my own personal survival kit..if in back woods sort of speak..I also keep a list of meds I carry from my doctor with his signature and reason why I need the meds..also just take enough for the duration..also if your in severe pain your needs may not be meant for proper pain relieve unless you get special pain doctor in the Phil's.but that does no good while your suffering..
I just wanted to add that the medical staff ( doctors ) that treated my father in law in the Cebu Hospital were all very exceptional. In fact the main Cardiologist was partially trained and did residency in the US. It's just the financial situation that is the mess over there.
This is VERY IMPORTANT NEWS and I thank you .
I'm really diggin' all your videos about the Philippines. You're answering a lot of questions I haven't even thought of yet. I'll be there in August performing recon for a location to retire.
i'm glad the videos have been of some help. :)
My wife knows of a couple that couldn't afford the bill for the delivery of their baby. The hospital kept the baby and the parents could just go and visit. Crazy!
Just 3 weeks ago my girlfriends 4 year old daughter got very sick. The public hospital nearby was full so she took her to a private hospital. She was good to go home after 3 days but the bill came to just over 12k. My gf was able to get the bill reduced but was still about 4K short. The hospital would not let the little girl leave until the bill was paid in full. No installment plan or anything like that was permitted. After another 24 hours I sent the remaining balance so she could take her daughter home because I just couldn't stand the fact that they were holding this little girl hostage. Regardless of what the law seems to say it obviously happens. Btw this was in San Pablo.
Very good information Henry, thanks for sharing
I picture myself exiting the hospital, twinkle toe, in small increments disguised as a landscape shrub.
A good advice is to always have a ready cash or emergency funds available for medical treatment. Philippine terms is always cash.
When going to the hospital you are expected to bring your own attendant. They get your food and prescribed medicines for you. If you don't have one then what are you doing going to the hospital. Upon checkout told i must pay the bill.I did not have enough money, and would not have the money for a week. They told me i could not leave. A friend showed up who talked very rapidly in Filipino. And the hospital ended out letting me leave. I do not know what my friend said. Later they insisted the bill was paid.
Next time i went to a Provencal / public hospital. Was assured it was free. But again must have an attendant with me to take care of me and anything needed such as food and prescriptions. Told should not go to hospital without my own attendant. The hospital cannot provide one. :-)
Thanks for your great advice.
Henry, this would definitely depend on if it was a private or provincial hospital. I'm a foreigner living in Bohol which you previously lived in. I was involved in a motorcycle accident and required stitches for my wound. I was treated and had the wound stitched here in the provincial hospital. I have no insurance and it was free. I walked out of the door without signing any paperwork at all. I did have to go to the pharmacy and purchase my own antibiotics and pain reliever which was prescribed to me though.
By the way.
I paid her bill so they could go home so I never got to see just what that labour involved.
section 2 clearly defines that section 1 is full of it.
Well Henry, I know that all 19,730 subscribers here feel good to know that when visiting the Philippines, we can rely on you to be a co-signer on any hospital bills come due. Right? '-)
+Michael W "check's in the mail." :)
I had this happen to me...Not a good experience...The security guard shadowed me the whole time...Next time I will remember to have cash on hand...
one hospital I paid a friend's bill took visa card lol...they said it is just a visa debt card...back then they didnt know...I said same thing just try it...she was amazed at the instant payment with foreign card lol
Henry, my wife and I have plans to start our house build early 2017. As with everyone else who replied to this topic, we also have our concerns with regard to health care once there. You share a lot of good info regarding how the system works, but we'd like to know how you yourself approach your own heath coverage there. Do you purchase their national health coverage? Do you have additional health insurance and if so who is the insurer and which hospitals in your area accept this insurance? Do you use public, private or both hospitals?
Answers to details such as these will surely help in our preparation for our move to the PI. Thanks so much for sharing your own experiences.
+James Tanner for now, just Philhealth. That's pretty much the bare minimum. It's a tenuous situation at best. Even with good insurance, the best hospitals are in Cebu and Manila, possibly Davao. So where to live becomes relative to how soon you could get to one of those areas, if a true emergency were to occur.
+LifeBeyondTheSea - Philippines Thanks for the quick reply. Phil health it is and we'll look into other options for backup. We'll not be so far from Manila so I think we'll be fine for normal day to day health needs. I'm retired US military and I've heard some chatter about the US possibly having a presence in the PI again in the future. If that is the case, there might be some health care options at a military facility (hopefully, we'll see).
@@JustJT57 Since you are retired military check out tricare and there 's a VA hospital in Manila and a tricare hospital on the old Air force base outside Angeles city . i think ST Luke hospital IN Manila use to take tricare i had my eyes check many years ago.
I was hospitalized 5 days in pasay for UTI, total bill 60k pesos, philhealth kicked in at
i was in angeles university hospital for 3 weeks cost me almost aud 20000 that had to be paid before i could leave hospital, even the plate i needed for my arm was brought from manila and the man wouldnot leave it with out payment of 60000. the hospital boards are corrupt same as doctors etc ,and the food was total shit my girl was getting me maccas and jolibee
i could go on but its all to long,and i have 20% los of my arm
always consider a trip to home country if government or insurance covers you as a nurse I do not trust much more than average things to pinoy doctors or the hospitals...
i had to spend a good 6 0r 7000 usd to go back and rent a room from family or cheap hotel, food etc and live awile for my knee replacement as to much here...they examined my eyes at a government phil health covered clinic and said you have cataracts but not bad enough for phil health to pay to remove...lmao...in vegas I went in wth 100% coverage and they said yep you got em, when can we do the surgery after the three week wait in line.. painless and 20/20 vision at 68 but not because of philheath or pinoy doctors lol.
I too have had poor experiences at AUF, I much prefer Armando Garcia Hospital on Rizal St, not as fancy but much cheaper and staff who actually know what they're doing.
MY DR IN U.S. SAID MY CATARACTS IS NOT BAD ENOUGH TO REMOVE SINCE MY VISION IS CLOSE TO 2O/20 .
So, you're in hospital, you cannot pay your bill, they won't let you go.....that might solve some housing problems for some people. :-),
I've only been in a clinic in Puerto Galera to get some blood-work done for the ACR-iCard. Very friendly, very cheap. My travel companion got a tetanus shot there and some treatment, because of an infection, also very friendly very cheap.
Wow! When I was in the PH for years, after visiting several public hospitals regarding Filipinas' issues - nobody's explained cost-matters in-detail to myself until now. If needed, should I feel blessed to be able to: 1, have ambulance or even helicopter pick me up off street then transport me to nearest hospital, 2, operate if needed, 3, feed me, 4, & give medicine & bed all for free on the UK's NHS (National Health Service)? Thanks for sharing
nice article good to know I've heard this before but never read the actual law or republic act thanks for sharing.I'm covered in the States blue Cross.however only in the state.when travelling out of the country I buy travelers insurance, that is covered through duration of my trip,I get list of providers that covers the insurance that are preferred providers whether in Manila Cebu or other cities I plan to visit,however they must be one in the pamphlet I'm issued.just piece of mind.my gals cousin work for Phil health she said because I'm from Washington state I can't get on Phil health..so that makes me wonder which I never asked if I'm from a certain state I can receive Phil health,but I hear it only cover 30 percent at best.my first trip I became ill upper respiratory infection from the smog and change if weather while in Manila.went down to Cebu 3 days latter and had a fever.went to find a doctor to get medications,my gal suggested I just go to the clinic so I thought sure why not.she walked and asked for appointment, as soon as they seen I was American they had me in right away...the doctor was actually quite nice professional,and very educated I was very suprized.after exam he prescribed antibiotics, and inhaler.. and fever reducer.I asked what my bill was he said whatever you can afford...well I was thinking office visit at my internal medicine doctor was 100.00 bill...I paided him 1000 piso he said that's too much..I said well take your assistants too lunch...peace of mind get travel's insurance... and have extra cash at hand,because you might have to pay up front.. and get reimbursed latter...it only makes sense to be prepared.
Your NOT getting out hospital until your hospital bill is settled ...PERIOD! I had a son in Chung Waa Guard escorted us billing Standing over my gf and baby in wheel chair..... Took 40 minutes process and verify my credit card for the "Hospital charges" the doctor expenses was agreement with deposit to the doctor...... This is reality there even if the law says different ... So DONT go Philippines unless you have a back up plan pay medical expenses in emergency.. My 2 cents after 14 years visiting and living in Cebu.... Be Smart! They would lets us leave BUT! would keep OUR baby!
+Mark Overly PS. $5400 and agreement for C section with The Dr who was on board Head and Best! and charged another $3400 + Dont Have a baby in Philippines BUT! the clinics do it it free for the Pilipinos woman BUT I wasnt Taking any chances my son die Alot children Die child birth! My Experiance! Wisdom!
yes...and most do accept credit cards...word to wise on babies...go to a birthing clinic you find in strip malls and along highway or ask and set up prenatel care there... these girls have had babys in the jungle for thousands of years and ararely even need a c section...most c sections in usa and philippines are far from necessary. They should never be preplanned but a last minute resort. unless some abnormal bone structure you can second opinion verify or baby not head down last few days and ready...midwives can feel for the head and even give opinion and birthing centers do have doctors many also working private and multiple hospitals...it runs 300 to 400 dollars at them... wife and three maids had babies in ph..
Good info! By the way what kind of laptop do you use there, did you buy it in the states? Before I move there, I'm trying to figure what size and brand to buy and I guess something that would have a long battery life would be also important. Also do places there frown if you plug up at their place of business? Thanks!
i us an HP but also have had Toshibas, i like each. about a 15" screen, portable and easy to work with on the road. :)
what editing software do you use to record the screen? thanks
+my life i just took screenshots (press PRTSC key) and then voice dubbed over them. :)
Wow!
This video, and the comments below, has scared the living daylights out of me. I am an American who's a struggling musician. I have a long distance relationship with a wonderful filipina. She is an amazing woman with a huge heart. She is intelligent and has a strong moral compass. Oh, and did I say say drop dead gorgeous? So, I want to go visit her. Now I'm scared to death.
make sure you carry a credit card from any country as many private hospitals now accept them. stabilize and get to home country sap, even if on heavy medication or in a wheel chair..2nd best.If you can stand a teaching government hospital that does have an a/c room and tv for extra charge consider it as charges will be far cheaper...other wise when buying anything or going to a private hospital you are a foreigner with a dollar sign on forehead.
Wow thanks for this video. We complain about America, really dont know good we got it.
this sounds like a violation of human rights.
You've definitely got that right!
I was there in Barandal gk area for a month. I'm 69yo with heart & diabetes issues, but manage ok with regular doc visits at my NorCal home. I enjoy my tricycle rides up 'n down Barandal Rd with my now married to pinay Mila to go to places.
I'm also there on skinny bank budget via WesternUnion which would be shot if had to pay even those smaller figures you mentioned coz what I have $$ is for returning home, otherwise I'd be left somewhere to rot coz have no associations/family to help.
So what I feel is you should give not just the written info but surveys of folks' different experiences, particularly those with zero to pay. Seems certainly they eventually would be let go by practicality alone coz rooms are needed by others AND further attempts to "extort" money are in vain, that's what I want hear about from others please.
Thank you. Jerry
let me preface with, for me it's who you know and there opinion of you the patient. I was in Cebu for two months and during this time,I ran out of medicine that I regularly take, I also ended up in the hospital for dvt or blood clots from the flight. I located a Dr that knew my Dr back in Florida, at the advice of my US Dr, they studied together in New York. I went to the Dr whom found the medicine for me, just different, but similar drug, the cost of this visit was 400php for this specialist. he offered to bill me if I was able to pay half and prove that I was there for awhile and promised ti pay before I leave, obviously i paid the 8.00 usd bill..Lol..BUT when I went to the hospital, they phoned my Dr in Cebu, he came and was the Dr who took care of me, once I was stable and could go home, he signed my discharge papers and i left, he said I don't have to pay, just show the guard the discharge papers if they ask. I asked the Dr how was that possible and he simply said, I will have to pay for his fees of 400php when I have follow up appt. I was shocked..I later learned this Dr is a board member of the hospital and is a medical professor and simply had the authority to do that. I had to pay his fees at the office, but due to the networked nature of the Philippines, I was taken care of very cheaply with adequate care. I had an issue with meeting a refill of that medicine while the Dr was on vacation, he told me to go to hospital er and tell them to call him and he will tell the er Dr who was a resident just to give me a script, I did that and nothing was charged for that either. just my two cents. in all cases I could have paid the bills..but this Dr knew my Dr at home and my treatment was very good.
Hi reekay Wow that's is crazy, so different from the west here, so the moral of the story is go to the bank before going to the hospital lol thanks for the video you made that ez to understand ☺
NOTE: The law has changed drastically in PHP. This video out of date. The law 2019 says hospitals can not detain you for failure to pay. The law was changed in 2018 Universal Health Reform Act.
Was with a bone fracture in 2015 taken to St. lucks in manila with an air transport was insured for everything . by mutas a belgian + a second usa insurance Oncol international but they took back the deposit after 1 month. I was then 3 months detained in the room and no medicine no more . From all tension my son 36 and bit mental handy capt was with epileptic attacks also admitted locked in the hospital . Till i did sing papers . I do not know what it was ? mostly blank papers and copy from my passport on . I do not care I have nothing so ? the total bill was 120,000.00 us ore in € almost same . The belgian insurance did pay 50,000.00 € and Oncol think 25,000.00 us . I still cant walk as before and have lot of pain still .I'm a pensioner I’m married there in 2013 did like to go and live there but can’t no more and my wife can’t get a visa for Europe so we even can’t see one the other no more. I can’t travel there no more had a visa for only 30 days and for overstaying the immigration law the did ask us to pay a fine think was 1,000.00 us think even bit more . We get pardon after our embassy give some papers and we missing 3 flights before getting home again 2 weeks later . We did get a free visa for 1 year but my name is on the black list there now . Did had used a loud voice to the sub director from emigration in manila they are not use to this there in the Philippines haha I did not like it the did play us 14 days before giving the papers to live . And only after I get mad there in the office from the director from emigration we get all papers to pas emigration and go home
This is why I say dont live in asia if your heart attack age. Its not a country you want an emergency in. First the care is terrible and 2nd they will intimidate you about paying the bill.
That would never happen in Canada thank God. Free health care for all Canadian!.
Reekay, I came to the Philippines for 2 months and enjoyed it, North to South. We met, Yes, I am easy to forget. I have some concerns I wish to discuss outside the public forum. Give me a heads up on how to ask for your advice offline?
feel free to drop me a PM on my facebook here.. facebook.com/reekay.inph
Great info thanks for sharing
WARNING: IF YOU ENTER A HOSPITAL IN THE PHILIPPINES THEY CAN CHARGE WHATEVER THEY WANT AND ARMED SECURITY GUARDS WILL HOLD YOU HOSTAGE UNTIL YOU PAY YOUR BILL IN FULL. I AM NOT KIDDING!!! i just went through this nightmare with my pregnant GF being held hostage by armed guards at a private hospital in Southern Leyte. If they can do this to a poor filipina, what do you think they will do to a foreigner they think has access to money? Entering a hospital in the Philippines is the same as being kidnapped and held for ransom. The only difference is kidnapping is illegal, what hospitals do in the Philippines is LEGAL. You've been warned.
I read on the website of my health insurance company that if you're going to Philippines for a couple of weeks and are able to present your health-insurance card and EHIC (European Health Insurance Card), the hospital will accept your health-insurance, so you don't have to pay up-front. Anyone here has any experience with that?
it was pretty much the same even years before this act,you are not in a really good hospital if you have too send someone to but your meds.
hoping Phil health will be useful , but yeah you need a few grand to keep in case of emergency.
i knew a man who got cancer surgery and cemo for less than 100K peso, he did not survive.
There is always a But in most Pinoy laws.
+steve o
I agree. The problem seems to be that even if you have money they won;t let you leave to access it so you can give it to them. There has to be a way to pay them without always carrying thousands of dollars on you Just in case. If you are single, alone, how can you let some intermediary get funds from your bank? The bank won't let them anyway. Must be a simpler solution to this. Western Union???
hi reekay im hoping to be in the Philippines by July back here in the states i have blue Cross Blue Shield im interested in hearing about what you might recommend to someone planning on staying there for some time
Does having cash in an American bank count as having "cash-on-hand"? (Do they accept wire transfers directly into the hospitals account?)
+bob barker each hospital is different, but don't count on them being able to accept wire payments directly. it's just not that type of a country. cash, literally in your hand is what they want to see. and get a receipt.
+LifeBeyondTheSea - Philippines/ It looks like I might have to implement Plan B and tape a million pesos to my testicles.
@@bobbarker6842 U must have some bigass balls Sir!
The fact is the Philippines is a poor country with minimal social welfare. If you live there you need (IMO) these 3 things - 1. some friends/family you trust 2. a large cash reserve 3. PhilHealth
Henry, It sounds like a Promisary note in the RP is different here in North America...it is a specy of money.
How - Where can you get insurance before you travel over there?
+John Holmes one place you can look into is here; www.philhealth.gov.ph
I have had the experience of being in hospital there. I had food poisoning from their food. Went to Er and of course put into room I was informed the doctor said I need to stay 7 days I told the nurse I am leaving. They tried to make a big deal I put my clothes on told them to take iv out or I would do myself they put a guard on me at point I told them I was going out for a smoke all hell broke out I told them I will smoke in the room or out front and would fight if needed. My gf told them I was crazy just let me smoke and get bill ready less than 24 hours my bill was over $1000.00, lucky for my insurance reimbursed me for Er!! Now thou I am resident alien here and can purchase Phil health!!
but you can ask your brgy to help you and act as your guarantor.
So assuming you can't leave the hospital in real practice what happens? Do you just hang out on the corridor....? Sleep on a bench? They still feed you or let you starve? lol
henry if u buy the travelers insurance like img does the hospitals there accept it thanks
So, if you have been put in a private room, then the hospital can detain you without restriction?
+Ed Snow as i read the wording they have in the document, this anti-detention act does not apply to those in private rooms. the ability to leave by providing a promissory note does not apply to private rooms.
Yeah, that's what i got out of it too. Thank you for sharing this information, I had no idea about this . . . I'm going to Cebu this July to visit my filipina girlfriend's familiy and I will keep this information in mind.
The main hospital in Cebu, Chong Hua, accepts credit cards.
I'm very curious to know about the state of health insurance there. Obviously, for US expats, Medicare doesn't count. Have you explored/priced health insurance that actually covers what you might need?
+Vince Runza Philhealth is about $24/year for the premiums. it's "better than nothing", especially in a public hospital, but not worth much in a large, private hospital. i've seen insurance companies who specialize in coverage for expats, and they can run from $150-$350+ per quarter. many of the online won't give you a quote until you fill out a lengthy questionnaire.
WOW!!
There is something very badly "missing" in the well intentioned
comments below, and maybe Henry can answer them ???
1) Hardly any mention of INSURANCE ???- if you have it, why
do you need a bunch of cash before you go into the hospital ???
The hospital is only concerned about -one thing- MONEY- $$$
so if you have insurance-say from the US or Canada, from a very
reputable insurer, then why all the talk about having "cash". Insurance
of this kind is very affordable.
Are the comments here- inferring that the hospital won't contact
your insurance provider for payment ??? doesn't make sense ?? all
they want is payment. They would "fax" your insurer for guarantee
of payment, and the insurer would reply they are covered, for your
hospital expenses. This is the only way that makes sense to me.
In Canada for instance we have socialized health care, and all
citizens are covered, but likely would not include coverage in other
countries- "you have to buy additional health insurance for this."
Maybe the comments are saying you need "cash" ( even though you
have insurance) because these insurance plans have like a 30- 60
day waiting period to "pay out," after your discharged. This could be
a problem ??? I don't know ??? Maybe the hospital doesn't like the
payout delay-" but they know they will get paid."-makes no sense.
I do know this though--I'm sure if you have top notch coverage
from a reputable provider, they would release you upon receiving
confirmation from your issuer, that the hospital will be paid within
30- 45 days as of your release ??? It only makes sense ???-right ???
If anybody knows the answer to this- I'd sure like a response. I sort
of get the impression that Henry is referring to people "with no insurance"
but I could be wrong here. I'd really like some CLARIFICATION on this.
+Grant P Have them re-listen to the video, beginning at 12:47 (or use link here). I stated that, "..if you have good insurance, or plenty of cash, you have no problem." here is the link;
ua-cam.com/video/KinMVcGZg0A/v-deo.htmlm47s
Very informative!! But $500 per visit for cancer treatments? Is that right!?
i have philhealth but im not sure what to expect, does it really help
?
"better than nothing", but don't expect too much. coverage amounts are here... www.philhealth.gov.ph/news/2017/expands_coverage.html and here is a list of the requirements to qualify.. www.moneymax.ph/blog/updates-philhealth-benefits
great topic I shall check my ins. make sure I will be covered there.
Is there a veterans hospital in the phillipines for retired u.s.vets, and do you know what city it is in?
This is awesome stuff as I may move there next year and the subject of health care and health insurance scares me a little bit even though I'm in good health. What I would like to know is how much health insurance is for a single,unmarried expat (PhilHealth ?) and how much time do you need to be in the country before you are eligible for it ?
+Bonzo T Alonzo philhealth premiums, for an expat, last time i checked was 600 pesos each 3 months. (quarter) when you enroll, you must wait until the next quarter before you can make a claim. coverage depends on what type of hospital you go to.. provencial/public or private.
+LifeBeyondTheSea - Philippines Thanks for the response and the great subject. I and probably many others can p/u some very helpful info and tips.
+LifeBeyondTheSea - Philippines 600 pesos every quarter is roughly 5 bucks a month. Good to know. Let me look into more details regarding that ... or this may be worth looking to for your part 2 of this particular topic.
Just posting a link here with the Hippocratic Oath taken by Physicians (Wiki).
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippocratic_Oath
I hear it is only if balance is 1000 pesos and under.
Red Fox was asked what were plans at death. He said he wasn't worried. After a couple of days when I start smelling somebody going to do something.
it may be a violation of human rights but thats the philippines for you, dont trust anybody in this country
very good subject. im from the u.s. and i go there will the insurance and social security i have here cover any medical needs i have there?
+pat kern medi caid not cover any thing there but you can fly to Guam if you need too and be covered
+steve o I saw where they are currently working on trying to change the law to allow Medicare to provide coverage overseas. First reason is a number of older Americans are retiring overseas who are eligible for Medicare. And second reason is it will actually cost Medicare less because the cost of health coverage in these retirement countries are way less than in the U.S. hospitals and clinics.
+Wayne Samuel the only law i have heard of is the one that would allow pinoy blood but US.to use theirs , not say it would be bad i told the truth it will not cover one dime, Guam closest place to use medicare.
most forums they think it best to keep paying for insurance
Money money and money..
My first plan would be to catch a plane to US guam immediately!
Henry after reading all the comments,seems they paid and get out,, What happens if you just can't pay at all,, even if the charges continue,DO they take you to jail.?
+mario padilla that i know of, not to jail. but you'll be stuck inside the hospital eating fish and rice, if they provide it. if not, someone has to bring you food. most hospitals tell you up front that YOU must provide your own 'attendant' who will fetch your meds and food for you during your stay.
sounds horrific... I guess in extreme cases they would contact your embassy to ship you back. On second thoughts Philippine is the largest exporters of doctors and nurses, and if there was a national conscience the medical services would have been free, at least for nationals. Although it's not much better here in the states... they won't keep you but they will take you to court and eventually jail.
what! you're saying that in america, they will imprison you if you cant pay the bill?
well if the court orders you to pay(which it certainly would) and you are not able to pay then the jail it is.... At least that's what my understanding. otherwise nobody would pay their hospital bills.
Syd Ray but its not a criminal or federal offense right?
no, it's perfectly legal. If you owe someone money they could take you to court and pursue you. And court order is either financial or jail term. That's why many black men are in jail because they cannot pay their wife's alimony. same idea.
IN USA THEY WON"T JAIL YOU EVER WHETHER BILL IS PAID OR NOT THEY OFFER FREE HEALTHCARE UNDER TRUMP THIS IS NOW 2018 - 2019 and FORWARD!! My FAMILY LIVES THERE > I"m FROM LONDON.
Reekey, how is this affected by holding a philhealth card???
+Kevin Havers Philhealth only covers a small portion of the bill. the unpaid balance would still be an issue.
had a funny one...lapulapu city hospital cebu . my maid had her baby and was leaving and they wanted her to walk to the various windows, which as an american registered nurse already angered me. so i did it for her and then the cashier was on lunch and there were not even chairs for her to sit... my car was running in the parking lot because i had been called and though it was pick up and pay and go...at the car i found it chained into the lot by padlock! hahaha...so i said fine, keep the car until your cashier comes back and went for a trycycle where upon out came the guard telling the trycycle drivers not to take me...he then put his hand on my shoulder as if to stop me...at 220 lbs and only fifty years old and still very strong i got 2 inches from his face and said that is assault and you can go to jail so touch me again and i will put you in the hospital! shouting for a hundred people to hear lol...then other maid got a down street trycycle taxi and took her home...walking back in the cashier was magically back from her lunch break and very nice and took my about three hundred dollars in pesos that paid the bill which i took to the guard and said now, unlock the fuc88876 gate lol...he said sorry sir, yes sir. They are far more polite than americans will ever be and to go to jail when they even had my brand new car locked up would have been no problem as i do not get mad, i get even hahaha. After it was over I realized how backward the system was and to either accept it and slow down or leave as many foreigners do...i am now 19 years in cebu and so love it. I think you met a blond belgian guy named nico and i did run around with him several years and sometimes budoy was with us so we did the music scene and single life in cebu, bohol and dumaguete and now he has a live in partner from dum in belgium he brought back and a son...she is a college grad and very nice and educated person as he is. When I settled down i bought land in by dual citizen son's name so I can not lose it to a filipina lol... The high up spot overlooking a 180 degree ocean view would cost a lot in usa but was just over $15000 usd...and an acre or half hectare..then house will not touch 40000, built into bedroock with constant ocean breezes and 10 inch thick walls.So very fun to retire and build your own even to your own blueprint. We have a great life but half hour to carcar or dumahug for groceries but soon a gaisano will finish building here and no more driving but sm seaside is 2 hours and 15 minutes away so we rent a condo next to it and spend a weekend every month or two....or siquijor, a friend dennis peyton in valencia... or just day trips to moal boal and kawasan falls and home. we have fruit trees dogs, cat, chickens goats and pigs and a cow lol and she loves that as a farmer's daughter...i just enjoy, even coffee in bed and healthiest diet with first year cholesteral in normal range in my life! lol..vietnam also has similar healthy diets as well I hear.
If you value your own cadaver,don't die in the Philippines.ha ha